Auto Theft Holiday Awareness

The Texas Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Authority and the Eagle Pass Police Department would like to remind the citizens of Eagle Pass & Maverick County this holiday season to Lock Your Car, Hide Your Things, and Take the Keys with you, to avoid becoming a victim of Auto Burglary and Auto Theft.

Vehicle thieves are looking for opportunities. And unfortunately, many driver aid thefts by leaving doors unlocked and keys inside. Once a vehicle is stolen, any number of additional offenses could take place. The vehicle may be used to commit another crime. It may be operated erratically and involved in an accident. It may be dismantled so the parts can be sold to fund other crimes ranging from drug use to terrorism.

During this season of holiday shopping, people will be out spending hard earned money on gifts for loved ones. There are people looking to take advantage of the opportunity to take valuables which were very hard to work for.

The Eagle Pass Police Department would like to take this opportunity to let the community know of the basics to prevent Auto Burglary and Auto Theft.

1. Hide your valuables from plain sight to avoid attracting thieves.
2. Never hide a second set of keys in or on your car. Extra keys can easily be found by thieves.
3. Park in well-lighted areas or attended lots. More than half of all vehicle thefts occur at night. Auto thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended parking lots. If you park in an attended lot, leave only the ignition or door key.
4. Never leave your car running, even if you’ll be gone for a minute. Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATMs, etc. Many vehicles are also stolen stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up. Leaving your key in an unattended motor vehicle is a crime in Texas.
5. Don’t leave the registration, title, or insurance card in your car. A car thief will use these to sell your stolen car. File the title and registration at your home or office, and carry your insurance card in your purse or wallet.
6. Park with your wheels turned toward the curb and use your emergency brake. Make your car tough to tow away. Wheels should also be turned to the side in driveways and parking lots.
7. If you have a garage, use it. If you have have a garage, take the time to use it rather than parking outside where your vehicle is more vulnerable. Lock your garage and your vehicle doors.
8. Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period of time. Remove the electronic ignition fuse, coil wire, or rotor distributor, or otherwise disable your vehicle any time thieves may have extended access to it.
9. Engrave your vehicle identification number (VIN) or personal I.D. number on expensive accessories and parts. Stolen cars/parts are more easily traced when VINs have been etched on car windows, major parts, and expensive accessories.
10. Lock your car and take your keys. Approximately 50% of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked.

For additional tips on preventing vehicle crimes, contact your local task force at 830-773-9044.

The Texas ABTPA, an office of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, has funded law enforcement programs specializing in vehicle crime investigation, recovery, and prevention since 1991. Since then, Texas has seen a 60 percent reduction in the vehicle theft total. Currently, ABTPA funds 29 task force grant programs statewide, allowing over 150 law enforcement officers throughout Texas to focus on the resolution of vehicle crime cases.